Teen girl fired from job after being refused time off on day her pet dog died

Baillieston teenager Emma McNulty has launched a petition to demand pet bereavement leave at work

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A Baillieston teenager who claims she was sacked after phoning in sick when her dog died has launched a petition to demand bereavement leave at work for people who have lost pets – with more than 17,500 signatures gathered thus far.

Emma McNulty said she was “disgusted” at the reaction of her employers when she asked for a day off following the loss of her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Milly.

Having had the pooch for 14 years, Emma was devastated when she passed away, so she called her bosses at a local fast-food chain restaurant to tell them she wouldn’t make it into work that same day.

But instead of being shown compassion, the 18-year-old claims she was fired.

Emma explained: “Milly became ill on the Saturday night and we had to have her put to sleep the next day; I was devastated, distraught and physically sick. I informed my manager I could not come into work.

Baillieston teenager Emma McNulty's dog Milly sadly died

“Instead of being shown the compassion and sympathy stated in the contract, I was sent a number of nasty messages and told I had to cover my shift as no bereavement time was allowed for pets.

“I did not go to work that day and I was fired and left unemployed the same day as losing my best friend; this caused me extreme distress and sickness."

Emma had been scheduled to start work at 3pm on a day earlier this month, but says she messaged her manager at 10am and was told it was her responsibility to find cover, or else she’d face disciplinary action.

After her search for a replacement was unsuccessful, Emma claims she was told not to bother coming in for her shifts the rest of the week, before being informed over email that she had been fired due to gross misconduct.

Emma has now vowed to do her bit to stop other people experiencing the same trauma. She is calling for employers to update their policies and introduce bereavement leave for people when their pets pass away.

She added: “I think it’s disgusting how some companies think it’s acceptable to treat someone in this way with no remorse, a family pet – in my case my dog – has just as much importance as a human family member.

“She was a valued family member and companion; I grew up with her and developed a close relationship that only grew each day.

“It’s time companies acknowledged this and give people the time they need to grieve, with no worry of losing their job.”